Photo of Erin Borla

Erin Borla

Executive Director & Trustee, Roundhouse Foundation | NCFP Fellow (2023–2024)

Erin Borla has worked in non-profit organizations that support rural communities through the arts and creative economies for the past 17 years. Her dedication to supporting rural spaces through listening, collaborating, and open and honest sharing of ideas helps her elevate community partners throughout her work. Borla holds a BS in Agriculture from Oregon State University and a Masters of Tourism Administration from The George Washington University. She has served organizations like Oregon State University – Cascades Campus, Sisters Parks & Recreation District, Central Oregon Regional Solutions Committee, Oregon 4H Foundation, and others. She has served as a Trustee for the Sisters, Oregon based Roundhouse Foundation since 2014 and most recently stepped in as the organizations first Executive Director at a time of rapid growth for the Foundation.

The Roundhouse Foundation supports innovative problem solving and creative solutions in four programmatic areas including arts and culture, environmental stewardship, education and social services throughout rural and tribal communities in Oregon.

When she isn’t exploring Oregon’s unspoiled beauty, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, pets and reading.

Erin was an NCFP Fellow from 2023–2024. Learn more about her project here.

Contributions

Responding to the Opioid Crisis: What are the Opportunities for Funders to Make a Difference?

Posted on January 17, 2025 by Kimberly Lindsay, Krishna J. Chari, Psy.D, Crystal Smallwood, Karen A Scott, MD, MPH, Erin Borla

The opioid epidemic continues to be a major public health crisis affecting both rural and urban areas. In 2023 alone over 80,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose. Communities face specific challenges in dealing with this crisis based on their location. These challenges include prevention methods, immediate services provision, and ongoing treatment. All funders – not just those focused on health… Read More
From NCFP, Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Know Your Neighbors: Building Trusting Relationships in Family Philanthropy

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Erin Borla, Sokol Shtylla

Collaboration and partnership are the cornerstones to accomplishing meaningful impact on pressing social issues. But both are difficult to come by due to the inherent power imbalance that exists in philanthropy, where funders control resources needed to support the wellbeing of communities. Trust is required to foster collaborative partnerships between funders and grantees. But how can trust occur if you… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Rural Libraries as Community Hubs

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Darryl Tocker, Stephanie Chase, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Rural libraries are more than repositories of books. They are community anchors that are hubs of learning, connection and cultural enrichment. These libraries provide an array of services that cater to people of all ages, backgrounds and socioeconomic status. Young families, school kids and seniors alike are able to access information, educational support, and cultural enrichment, all in safe and inclusive spaces. [1] Libraries in… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Connecting with Peers to Share Successes and Opportunities

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Use this opportunity to share experiences of best practices for working in rural areas, discuss tactics and strategies, and connect with funding and partnering opportunities to leverage your investments and increase impact. This conversation will focus on successes and opportunities. Please come prepared to share! Some questions to consider: What initiatives are you attempting? What are you funding? What is… Read More

Rural Places as an Equity Strategy

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Michelle Lemming, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Two farmers in a field looking at soy crop at sunset
Designed for family philanthropies that work in or are curious about rural areas, this session will offer insights to supporting rural communities. Learn how an equity strategy should include rural areas, and explore the unique challenges and successes of investing in and working with these communities. Attendees will gain knowledge in the similarities between urban and rural funding, including the… Read More

The Black Belt Community Foundation: Taking a Multi-Faceted Approach to Rural Funding

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Felecia Lucky, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) utilizes a variety of funding sources and partnerships to pursue its philanthropic mission and to provide services to its rural region and rural constituents. BBCF President Felecia Lucky will discuss how the community foundation aggregates resources from individuals and other grant programs to fund their work. She will also share broader implications for private philanthropy’s engagement with rural… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Connecting with Peers to Share Successes and Opportunities

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Use this opportunity to share experiences of best practices for working in rural areas, discuss tactics and strategies, and connect with funding and partnering opportunities to leverage your investments and increase impact. This conversation will focus on successes and opportunities. Please come prepared to share! Some questions to consider: What initiatives are you attempting? What are you funding? What is happening… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Workforce Development in Rural Communities

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Katie Hughes, Gretchen Schmidt, PhD, Dr. Ben Stafford, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

In rural communities, where populations are more dispersed and farther from major job centers, labor markets face different challenges than those in urban areas. Currently labor shortages in healthcare and education are particularly acute in rural areas. But investment in workforce development tailored to rural communities can significantly improve this situation. Join us for a conversation to learn about best… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Rural Capacity Building–The Rural Partners Network

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Christine Sorensen, Lee A. Jones, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

The Rural Partners Network (RPN) is a government program where a number of federal agencies collaborate together with rural communities to find resources and funding to create jobs, build infrastructure, and support long-term economic stability. RPN has created community networks in several states to help federal agencies develop improved service delivery models, program processes, and funding priorities for the benefit… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network Topical Call & Networking

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Join your peers to network and discuss topics of concern for philanthropic families who are place-based rural funders. As NCFP launches the Rural Funders Peer Network, we are pleased to offer this collaborative space for family funders working in rural areas to create connections and share strategies and stories with others across the country. This event will provide an opportunity… Read More

We’re here to equip you with the tools you need to make a meaningful impact. Contact NCFP for support.

Get in Touch

Keep up with trends in family philanthropy. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Signup

Gain access to personalized support and a network of peers. Join our community!

Join Now